Kendra K. Kattelmann, PhD, RD

Kendra K. Kattelmann, PhD, RD

Professor and Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota

Issue Impacting the Profession

I am most passionate about nutrition education and food security to the nutritionally underserved rural and minority populations. Through my education responsibilities, I have focused on recruiting students from these populations and preparing students to serve in these communities. Additionally, my research agenda focuses on nutrition education, programming and policy promotion to the rural and minority populations.




How have you promoted ADA's mission/vision/values?

I have and will continue to promote the registered dietitian as the most valuable resource for food and nutrition information locally, regionally, and nationally through education and research. Through networking, I have influenced local businesses to hire RDs into non-traditional positions. I am committed to preparing the entry-level dietitian, as well as supporting the advancement of practice through graduate degrees. I highly encourage students to pursue a graduate degree and readily serve as major advisor.

In assessing your skills, which ones do you think best prepare you to be an ADA leader and why?

My results-oriented personality and ability to network and reflect the issues of the group that I am representing are the two skills that best prepare me to represent the practice group at the House of Delegates. As a representative of the House of Delegates, I must be able to not only effectively communicate the issues of the group I am representing, but also must be able effectively present the issues from the House of Delegates.

Important Contributions and Leadership Achievements

  • Dietitians in Research Practice Group: Treasurer (2006-2008)
  • South Dakota Dietetic Association: President (2004-2005)
  • South Dakota Dietetics Association: Secretary (2002-2004)
  • Evidence Analysis Committee for the Critically Ill: Co-chair (2001-2004)

Honors and Awards Highlights

  • South Dakota Dietetic Association Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (2005)
  • South Dakota State University College of Family and Consumer Sciences Outstanding Faculty Award (2002)
  • South Dakota State University Berg Faculty Award (2001)